Strategic Communications for Educational Impact

With more than three decades of dedicated service in public education, Carla Phelan-Erdey, APR, is a nationally award-winning strategic communication executive recognized for excellence in stakeholder engagement, crisis communication, and community trust-building. A Gaskins Mentor Legacy Honoree and recipient of National School Public Relations Association Strategic Communication Golden Achievement Awards, along with multiple honors for publication and digital communication excellence, Carla has built a career centered on transparent, timely, and strategic communication that supports student achievement, advances equity, and strengthens diverse school communities.

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Carla specializes in navigating complex educational challenges and high-stakes environments with clear, consistent, and authoritative messaging. Her work is grounded in the belief that effective communication must ensure all students, families, staff, and community members feel informed, valued, heard, and connected, regardless of background or lived experience. Through inclusive stakeholder engagement and culturally responsive communication strategies, she helps educational organizations build trust across diverse communities while fostering belonging and meaningful participation.

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Her expertise in crisis communication, board relations, and stakeholder engagement has helped educational organizations maintain trust during periods of transition and uncertainty while strengthening relationships between leadership, staff, families, students, and the broader community. Through research-driven strategic communication, Carla helps school districts align messaging with organizational goals, elevate diverse voices, and create communication systems that support equitable opportunities and student success for all learners.